Novel dual-emission fluorescence imprinted sensor based on Mg, N-CDs and metal-organic frameworks for rapid and smart detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol

Abstract

Rapid and real-time detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol (TNP) is of great importance for the living environment and human health. Herein, we constructed an innovative ratiometric fluorescence imprinted sensor with fast response and high selectivity based on magnesium and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (Mg, N-CDs) and chromium telluride quantum dots (r-CdTe) self-assembled in zirconium-based metal organic frameworks (UiO-66) combined with imprinted polymers for the detection of TNP. In the protocol, the introduction of UiO-66 with large specific surface area and porosity using as carrier material significantly enhanced the mass transfer rate, which improved the sensitivity of the Mg, N-CDs/r-CdTe@UiO-66@MIP (LHU@MIP). And the Mg, N-CDs with high quantum yields and r-CdTe were selected as fluorescence emitting elements to yield fluorescence signal, achieving signal amplification. The dual-channel strategy enabled the sensor to not only display a fast fluorescence response, but also generate a dual-response signal under the action of internal filtering effect (IFE). Combining these advantages, the LHU@MIP had a wide linear range (1–100 μM), good detection sensitivity (0.56 μM), and a distinct color change (from blue to pink). Meanwhile, for accurate on-site analysis, we designed a portable smart sensing platform with a color recognizer application. The smartphone enabled visual sensing of TNP by capturing fluorescent images and converting them into digital values. More importantly, the platform was successfully utilized for the analysis of TNP in the simulated actual samples with considerable results. Therefore, the developed platform was characterized by low cost, portability, ideal specificity, and provided a strategy for on-site monitoring of TNP.